Rita M. Murphy, age 97, a lifelong Millis resident, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the Thomas Upham Nursing Home in Medfield, surrounded by loving family.
Born in Millis on October 6, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Dennis J. Murphy and Annie B. (MacDonald) Murphy. Following her 1944 graduation from Millis High School, she attended Burdett College.
Her first employment was in the office of the Jospeh M. Herman Shoe Company. Seeking to broaden her horizons, she joined the office of the telephone company in Milford, and made a dedicated career managing AT&T offices in Boston, Braintree, and Framingham.
Rita had been a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Medway Cooperative Bank,( Charles River Bank).
One of twelve children, she was predeceased by her siblings, Daniel L. Murphy, Katherine O’Rourke, Mary Germano, Michael Murphy, John Murphy, Francis X. Murphy, sister Martha Murphy MM, Patricia O’Brien, and Thomas Murphy. She is survived by a brother, James W. Murphy, of Millis, a sister, Florence Garrity, of Hingham, and many beloved nieces of nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Rita loved her family, her church, and her friends, and she was dedicated to all. At St. Thomas the Apostle Church, she was a member of the Altar Society and the Catholic Daughters, and a ready volunteer when needed. Hosting family and friends for coffee and donuts after 8:30 Mass was a much-anticipated weekly ritual. She had the opportunity to take many trips with her work buddies and particularly enjoyed when they included golf. She was an original member of the Charles Golf League and enjoyed working on her skills. She loved the Red Sox, The Patriots, Summers in Scituate, and people just dropping in. Hers was a life well lived.
Her funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 18 in St. Joseph Church, Medway at 11:00a.m.
Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Holliston.
Calling hours will be on Monday, June 17, in the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 3 Barber Street, Medway from 4-7 p.m.
Family would like to thank the Thomas Upham Nursing Home staff for their wonderful care and attentiveness during Rita’s stay there.
Donations in Rita’s memory may be made to the Thomas Upham House Activity Fund 519 Main Street, Medfield ,MA 02052 or the Maryknoll Sisters, 10 Pinesbridge Road, Ossining , NY 10562.